Pierre Bourdieu begins the article talking about how capital is inseparable from the socialized world we live in today, and goes on to describe a short theoretical world. The world, which the author essentially fancies as the libertarian’s fantasy, sees almost everything privatized and no nepotistic or inherited aspects. Of course, this is not the world we live in today, but this would be if capital was completely taken out of the socialization aspects.
Bourdieu then goes on to explain that economic theory is the basis for which we bargain with capital, the ultimate goal typically being maximization of profit. Essentially, economic theory is a way that the dominant class stays dominant, as they use theory as an “icy water” of sorts.
Bourdieu gives three distinct forms of capital, moving it to more of a cultural idea. He calls these categories embodied, objectified, and institutionalized states of capital. This next break into a type of capital is what he calls social capital, defining it to be certain resources available to those that are part of a group.
While reading this article, Bourdieu’s theory had slight connections to John Rawls whether intentionally or otherwise (while taking slight and subtle jabs at it). Bourdieu’s writing bore these connections mostly in the beginning, as he wrote extensively about life being a “lottery” of sorts. Rawlsian theory saw much of this same thinking, with emphasis being placed on humans wishing for equality above all else.
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